Former international cricketers threatened by BCCI ahead of inaugural Kashmir Premier League

The BCCI has allegedly threatened former international cricketers due to take part in the inaugural Kashmir Premier League with bans on being able to work within the sport in India in the future. Former stars such as Herschelle Gibbs and Monty Panesar were down to play in the tournament.

The Indian board has caused huge controversy in their willingness to politicise the KPL, concerned by the decision to play the tournament in Pakistan. No Pakistani players currently play in the IPL, and there is a blanket ban on Indian cricketers participating in franchise cricket outside of the country, although several female players were given exemptions to play in the Hundred in England this summer.

Gibbs tweeted that it was “completely unnecessary” for the BCCI to involve their political agenda with Pakistan in the KPL’s planning, and Monty Panesar has withdrawn from the tournament so as not to miss out on future work opportunities related to Indian cricket.

Gibbs and Tillakaratne Dilshan will commit to playing in the tournament despite the pressure from the Indian board. The Pakistan Cricket Board has stated its dismay at the BCCI’s “unsporting” interventions.